Chengdu Open: Dimitrov continues strong form, into semi-finals

Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov, the No 3 seed, defeated Australian Christopher O’Connell 6-4, 6-1 to move into the semi-finals of the Chengdu Open at the Sichuan International Tennis Center on Sunday.

Dimitrov, ranked No 20, will face German Alexander Zverev, the top seed, next.

The win continues a breakout year for Dimitrov, who is now back in the world’s top 20 followed a string of deep runs in 2023. The Bulgarian won against Peruvian Juan Pablo Varillas (6-3, 6-4) in the previous round of the Chengdu tournament, which was the 400th ATP Tour win of his career.

Earlier in the tournament, O’Connell, ranked No 53, beat Russian qualifier Alibek Kachmazov (7-6 (3), 6-4) and Japanese Taro Daniel (7-6 (10), 6-4).

Chengdu ATP250, other last quarter-final results (Sichuan International Tennis Center, hard, USD 1.152.805, most recent results first):

• Alexander Zverev beat Miomir Kecmanovic (7): 5-7, 7-5, 6-2
• Lorenzo Musetti (2) beat Arthur Rinderknech: 6-3, 6-3
• Roman Safiullin beat Jordan Thompson: 7-6 (1), 0-0 ret.